Power tool tenant for Commons

The Crystal Lake City Council approved a $10,000 grant Tuesday to help offset the company's $180,000 investment in the new store.

Harbor Freight Tools, which has more than 400 stores in the United States, will take up 20,314 square feet of space in the Commons west building at 6324 Route 14. The space was previously used by Ulta Cosmetics and Old Country Buffet, according to city records.

The Commons, which is home to Hobby Lobby, lost many of its retail tenants in recent years, but new stores have opened there recently, including an expanded Charter Fitness center.

The city's Retailer and Job Creation Investment Program provides grants to new and existing retailers who take up vacant commercial space and hire full-time employees or make significant facility investments. The council budgeted $80,000 for the program this year.